SMITH & POPE, 6 COLLEGE STREET, SWINDON
1877-1878

Mr S Smith and Mr Thomas Pope were the first people to produce Ginger Beer and Aerated Water in College Street, New Swindon.
Thomas Pope was a successful draper in Swindon at this time.
According to Peter Sheldon's book, A history of Swindon & District Mineral Water Manufacturers, the only bottle so far discovered from this short lived venture is a Codd's Patent 16 marked "Smith and Pope, New Swindon Mineral Waters". This bottle is shown above.
The plans and designs of their new factory were drawn up by local architect Mr John J Smith on 30th January 1877. The specification included stone foundations, stone and asphalt floors to the factory, walls of brick and a roof of wood and slate. Water would be laid onto the factory and yard. As well as the factory there would be an office, stores, shed, stable and cart house.
When their plans were approved on 1st February 1877 by the New Swindon Local Board it marked the beginning of about 75 years of manufacturing from this site.
Their business lasted just over one year as by early 1878 they were trying to sell off their soda water machine.
By 1879 the building is the home of a new business called the New Swindon Aerated Water Co.
Thomas Pope was a successful draper in Swindon at this time.
According to Peter Sheldon's book, A history of Swindon & District Mineral Water Manufacturers, the only bottle so far discovered from this short lived venture is a Codd's Patent 16 marked "Smith and Pope, New Swindon Mineral Waters". This bottle is shown above.
The plans and designs of their new factory were drawn up by local architect Mr John J Smith on 30th January 1877. The specification included stone foundations, stone and asphalt floors to the factory, walls of brick and a roof of wood and slate. Water would be laid onto the factory and yard. As well as the factory there would be an office, stores, shed, stable and cart house.
When their plans were approved on 1st February 1877 by the New Swindon Local Board it marked the beginning of about 75 years of manufacturing from this site.
Their business lasted just over one year as by early 1878 they were trying to sell off their soda water machine.
By 1879 the building is the home of a new business called the New Swindon Aerated Water Co.